Framed. Structural diagrams, Ville Acotere and gardens. Mallet, c1684.

$330.00

Antique print. Gilded sight-edged old-style cracked gesso mount.

Alain Manesson Mallet (1630-1706), studied mathematics and geometry at the College of Burgundy, under the military engineer, Philippe Mallet (1606-1679). A.M. Mallet then became a musketeer in the regiment of guards of Louis XIV. In 1663 he left for Portugal to enter the service of Alfonso VI. Under Marshal Schomberg Mallet served as an engineer and rose to the rank of sargento-mor (equivalent to commander) of artillery and inspector of fortifications. After the signing of the Treaty of Independence between Spain and Portugal, Mallet returned to France. He was appointed mathematics teacher of the pages of the King in Little Stable, Versailles (reserved for the sons of the noble families dating back to 1550 or earlier).

As master of mathematics Mallet had time to write. In 1671 his first publication was on military science and the art of siege warfare. It was so successful that it was translated into German the following year (and then several counterfeit copies were published.) In 1683 Mallet published his updated work Travaux de Mars, ou l’Art de la Guerre, “on observations I’ve made on the art of war”, with engraved diagrams for the fortifications of cities and towns throughout Europe, and small scenes “to inspire young nobles to learn to draw, because in fortifications, drawing is not simply a noble propriety, but an absolute necessity”.

This fine Mallet engraving c1684 is in fine condition, with later hand-colour. Size of page is 21 x 14 cm (8.25 x 10.25 inches).External framed size is 320 x 275mm (12.5 x 11 inches). (Additional shipment charge will vary with destination.)

Out of stock